A set of attached Ikea chests of drawers — two high, three across — painted them black is capped with a slab of slate. / Lyn Peterson

Written by

Lyn Peterson

For The Journal News

Lyn Peterson. / Joe Larese/The Journal News

The Expert

Lyn Peterson is the owner of Motif Designs

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We choose the house we live in for many reasons. We want to be in a decent school district and find a family-oriented neighborhood — and we want to plant our homes there, to grow. And, let’s face it: We want to like what we see. Our homes are the biggest investment most of us will ever make and most of us, myself included, plan to put our roots down and stay awhile.

And, even those who didn’t initially plan to stay awhile are staying put. After all, the resale value of their home is most likely at least 30 percent less than it was pre-recession. So with no other place to go anytime soon, why not spruce up and enjoy where we nest?

I’m a true lover of all projects home and through the years I’ve learned a few things. In my book “Real Life Renovating,” I recounted total overhauls and more conservative upgrades. In general, my feeling is, forget the all-or-nothing game plan and compromise. I’ve certainly had to. My last home was on the cover of “House Beautiful” twice. This time around, I am house poor and living with a 53-year-old kitchen, albeit in a far-better school district and much nicer neighborhood. There are a ton of projects I’d like to take on, but all things in good time … in my case, a long time.

Rather than feeling discouraged, there are big-impact small projects you can do now to upgrade your house while you’re waiting to win the lottery.

Punch it up with paint

A gallon of paint costs less then a meal out, guys! A new coat of paint can completely change the mood of a room, enhance the overall aesthetic of your home and improve curb appeal.

Paint the front door: Don’t be afraid to be bold. The entryway is where you make a statement.

Paint the floor: If you think paint is just for the walls, you’re wrong. Far cheaper than carpet and definitely more appealing to the eye. While I don’t recommend this for a kitchen, it’s a surefire winner for a bedroom or guest room. So, rip up the carpet, get out the deck paint (I painted my children’s floors in a crisp white) and thrown on a rug or two.

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Improve the landscaping

Good landscaping enhances a structure. Not only does it frame a home, it adds curb appeal and makes you feel good. Planting flowers and shrubs has immediate impact, adding charm and a more manicured feel.

Plant annuals: Buy small packs of annuals; they are much cheaper than fully grown plants.

Buy bulbs: They are inexpensive, easy to care for and come back next year, adding color to your surroundings.

Frame your front door with boxwood or holly to add pop. Often people have overgrown, tired shrubs that block the view. Keep it clean and open.

Know when to splurge

When considering a home project, a critical question is where to splurge and where to save. Can you create your dream room by cutting corners? The answer is, absolutely! Mix it up. Everything doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag. Mixing the fancy with the not-so-fancy gives personality and doesn’t break the bank.

Where to cut corners: Cabinets — get the right appliances and skimp on cabinets. My daughter has all stainless steel appliances and up-to-date cabinets from, where else? Ikea.

Where to splurge:Appliances!! People recognize the quality. You’ve undoubtedly seen a real estate ad touting a kitchen with a Sub-Zero fridge.

Add new details

Pile it on — it works for more than bracelets. New details can freshen up the old and completely change the overall aesthetic. Embellishing our homes with architectural elements is like adding jewelry to an outfit. Keep what you have and take it up a notch. These visual tricks are simple and cost effective.

Punch up the entryway: Give a little pomp to the entryway. After all, it’s the first impression once the door opens.

Less is more

Sometimes taking away elements is more effective than adding. If there are too many things going on — an awkward door, an overabundance of cabinets in the kitchen (yes, that is possible), unnecessary closets that get in the way. Take them away and notice the instant improvement.

Open up a back staircase, exposing the spindles and railings.

Remove a door that gets in the way.

Pull it out: If an element is concealing a standout feature, clear the way.